Chris Rushworth believes Durham have been victims of last season’s success in the opening weeks of their title defence.

For the fourth match out of four, the Sunderland seamer toiled away on a flat pitch.

Rushworth told the Chronicle after Sussex recovered from 115-5 to 441-5: “People look at what we did last year as a bowling side and I think they are preparing a lot more batsman-friendly wickets,.

“The wicket got better as the day went on. There were no overhead conditions to help us after lunch – it was a nice day.

“It was hard bowling with the wind and being two bowlers down.”

Rushworth took 2-87 and when he took his second wicket it looked like Sussex might be rolled over after losing the toss.

However, with Graham Onions off the field with a back injury, and Usman Arshad following him later for the same reason, Ben Brown hit a career-best 156 not out and Luke Wright started today five short of his own on 183 not out.

Durham did not help themselves, Phil Mustard dropping three catches and Michael Richardson one. There were also half-chances for Mark Stoneman, Keaton Jennings and Mark Wood.

Rushworth added: “We have to come back fighting.

“There is no point feeling sorry for yourself because that does nobody any good.”